In a small German village at the end of the 19th century, peace is shattered by a series of brutal murders that instigate panic among its inhabitants. The story follows a mysterious executioner who has returned to his hometown, where he once lived as an ordinary citizen. As the bodies appear, tensions within the community rise, and rumors about the identity of the killer begin to circulate.
The residents grow increasingly frightened, and paranoia takes hold of everyone. Amidst this chaos, a young journalist determined to uncover the truth delves into the dark history of the executioner, who has a past that connects him to the victims. The lines between good and evil blur, and the journalist finds himself trapped in a deadly game between justice and revenge.
The plot thickens even further when family secrets emerge, threatening to come to light and reviving old grievances. With stunning visual style and an unsettling atmosphere characteristic of German expressionist cinema, the film is not only a suspenseful thriller but also a profound exploration of human psychology. As shadows lengthen and shocking revelations erupt, the fate of the village and the executioner becomes intertwined in an outcome that no one could have anticipated.